ASTM D4318-17e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D4318-17e1 — Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils. This standard specifies procedures to determine the liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), and plasticity index (PI) of the fine fraction of soils and provides specimen preparation options, two liquid‑limit methods, and procedures for plastic limit determination.

Abstract

ASTM D4318-17e1 provides standardized laboratory test methods used to measure the Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit) and to calculate the plasticity index for soils (material passing the 425 µm / No. 40 sieve). The standard includes wet and dry specimen preparation procedures, two liquid‑limit determination methods (multipoint/Casagrande and one‑point), plastic limit rolling procedures, apparatus and grooving‑tool inspection/verification, guidance on interferences (for example effects of organic matter and oven‑drying), and annex material with examples and tester information. These results are commonly used for soil classification, engineering correlations, and construction material specifications.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: Published 31 May 2017; effective date 1 June 2017.
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 93.020 — Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works.
• Edition / version: D4318-17e1 (2017, editorial/erratum release to the 2017 edition).
• Number of pages: 20 pages (PDF standard document).

Scope

These test methods cover determination of the liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index for soils (defined in terminology section) using material that passes a 425‑µm (No. 40) sieve. The standard specifies two specimen preparation procedures (wet and dry), two liquid‑limit methods (Method A — multipoint/Casagrande; Method B — one‑point), two plastic‑limit rolling procedures (hand and rolling device), calculation of PI as LL − PL, limits on units and rounding, and notes on interferences and applicability. The standard also clarifies apparatus verification and grooving‑tool inspection criteria and includes annexes with additional examples and tester information.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and related consistency states.
• Specimen preparation: Wet Preparation (Procedure 1) and Dry Preparation (Procedure 2) — the requester should specify which to use; wet prep default if unspecified.
• Liquid Limit — Method A (multipoint/Casagrande cup) and Method B (one‑point); Method A recommended if unspecified.
• Plastic Limit — rolling procedures (hand rolling or rolling device) with acceptance criteria for the rolled thread diameter.
• Calculation of Plasticity Index (PI = LL − PL) and precision/rounding rules consistent with Practice D6026.
• Apparatus requirements and verification (cup, grooving tool, height‑of‑drop adjustments); inspection of grooving tool wear is specified.
• Test material restriction: tests are performed only on fraction passing 425 µm; consider contribution of this fraction when evaluating whole‑sample properties.
• Interferences and cautions: organic content, oven‑drying effects, and weathering of clay‑shales can affect liquid limit results; user responsibility for safety and appropriate practices.

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and materials testing laboratories, geotechnical engineers, highway and infrastructure agencies, construction quality‑control personnel, researchers, and soil classification analysts. Common applications include soil classification (in conjunction with Practices/Standards such as D2487 and D3282), specification of fine fractions for construction materials (see D1241), engineering correlations for compressibility, shrink–swell potential, and permeability, and laboratory quality control and interlaboratory comparison programs.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced with or related to D4318 include ASTM D2487 (soil classification, Unified Soil Classification System), D3282 (soil/soil‑aggregate classification), D1241 (materials for soil‑aggregate subbase/base), D4943 (shrinkage limits), D4753 (guidance on balances and masses for soil testing), Practice D6026 (significant digits/rounding), and Practice D3740 (laboratory competence). D4318-17e1 is an editorial/erratum release to the 2017 edition (D4318-17) and continues the lineage of earlier D4318 editions.

Keywords

Atterberg limits, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, soil classification, Casagrande cup, grooving tool, specimen preparation, geotechnical testing, ASTM D4318-17e1.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4318-17e1 is the ASTM standard that specifies laboratory test methods to determine the liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), and to calculate the plasticity index (PI) of soils (fine fraction passing 425 µm).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation (wet and dry), two liquid‑limit methods (multipoint/Casagrande and one‑point), plastic limit rolling procedures, apparatus requirements and verification, calculation and reporting rules, and notes on interferences and applicability to the fine soil fraction.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical laboratories, consultants, engineers, transportation and construction agencies, and researchers use the standard for classification, design input, quality control, and research.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D4318-17e1 is the published 2017 edition with the e1 editorial release; it is the current ASTM release for D4318 as of the 2017/e1 publication. Users should confirm at the time of purchase or use whether a newer revision or reapproval has been issued.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D4318 is part of a family of ASTM soil testing standards frequently used together (for example D2487, D3282, D1241, D4943) and is maintained by Committee D18 on Soil and Rock.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Atterberg limits, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, Casagrande, soil classification, specimen preparation, grooving tool, LL, PL, PI.